Exploring Ben Hargreeves' Journey in The Umbrella Academy

The Umbrella Academy, a hit series on Netflix, takes viewers on a compelling journey through the lives of its characters, each with a unique origin and destiny. One of the central figures is Ben Hargreeves, also known as Number Six, whose complex storyline unfolds intricately across multiple seasons. This article delves into the evolution of Ben's character, providing insights into his abilities, the circumstances of his death, and the emotional impact of his journey.

Ben Hargreeves: The Initial Stages

In the initial episodes of The Umbrella Academy, Ben is introduced as a ghost who can communicate with his siblings but is incapable of interacting physically with the world. His death occurred before the events of the series, and it is revealed that he died during a mission that deeply affected his family.

Season 1: Early Interaction and Support

Ben's presence in Season 1 is primarily felt through Klaus, who has the unique ability to see and communicate with him. Despite his own struggles, Klaus finds solace in Ben's guidance and support. However, his inability to interact physically with Ben limits the nature of their interactions.

Season 2: Unveiling the Past and Future

Season 2 takes a significant turn in exploring Ben's character further. Through flashbacks and alternate timelines, the audience learns more about his personality and the circumstances surrounding his violent death. A monumental moment in the season is when Ben, with the help of Floral, temporarily possesses Klaus's body, allowing him to take physical action for the first time. This event marks a pivotal moment in both Ben's character arc and the series as a whole.

The Climactic Decision

By the end of Season 2, Ben's character takes a dramatic turn. He decides to stay in the 1960s to help his new friends rather than return with his siblings to the present timeline. This decision emphasizes his growth and desire for connection, marking a significant and emotional moment in his development.

Season 3: Further Evolution and Relationships

In Season 3, Ben continues to evolve as he navigates the challenges of being part of an alternate universe. The series further reveals the depth of his relationships with his siblings and the complexities of his own identity. The interactions between Ben and his siblings, especially his compassionate treatment of Vanya, showcase the dynamic and evolving nature of their bond.

Spoilers for Season 2

One of the final episodes of Season 2 includes a poignant funeral scene for Ben. At the event, Reginald Hargreeves blames the rest of the group for "abandoning one of their own," and the siblings blame each other. According to the show, Ben died violently, although he did not have any evident scars. Klaus, who had the ability to see and communicate with Ben, was not visibly shaken during the funeral, possibly because he believed that he would see Ben again. However, when Ben's final "death" occurs, Klaus is profoundly affected because he realizes that he will never see his brother again.

The series spent significant time in this season exploring Ben's character more deeply, including reunions with Diego and showcasing the complex dynamics of his relationships with his siblings. The final vanishing scene for Ben moved many viewers, particularly due to his kind and compassionate treatment of Vanya, showcasing the writers' thematic intent behind the phrase "only the good die young."